March 31, 2025

At New Leaders Council, we know that leadership often runs deep through families, and this Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating a story that brings that truth to life. Karen Pandy Cherry, Acting President and CEO of NLC and a 2016 NLC Broward alum, joined her daughters Kytana Phillips (NLC Broward 2022) and Kyrsten Phillips (NLC Tulsa 2025 Fellow) in service this month at a community event hosted by the Clifford Heart Foundation, an organization Kytana founded to honor her grandfather, Frank Clifford. The event brought together generations of leadership, love, and purpose in action. We asked Karen, Kytana, and Kyrsten to reflect on what it meant to serve together, carry on a family legacy, and lead with heart.

Karen, as a leader of New Leaders Council and a mother, what does it mean to see Kytana leading the Clifford Heart Foundation and Kyrsten volunteering alongside her?

Seeing Kytana leading The Clifford Heart Foundation and Kyrsten volunteering alongside her is the greatest joy of my life. Our family experienced homelessness twice in the last 15 years while my daughters were growing up, so it fills me with pride to see them embracing the values of service, leadership, and community care in such a meaningful way. They have expanded our family’s mission of telling our own stories and are living it out loud. It’s a powerful reminder that the work we do—whether in our careers or in our personal lives—leaves an imprint on those around us. Seeing them take initiative, build something impactful, and give selflessly to others assures me that the next generation of changemakers is already here, stepping into their power with courage and compassion.

As the CEO of New Leaders Council, I see this same commitment to service and leadership reflected in our Fellows and alumni every day. At NLC, we believe in training and equipping proximate leaders—people who have lived the challenges they seek to solve—to create lasting, systemic change. Watching my daughters lead and serve their community is a personal testament to the power of this work. It reaffirms my belief that when we invest in leadership, we create a ripple effect that extends across generations, shaping a future rooted in equity, justice, and collective care.

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Karen, the Clifford Heart Foundation honors your father’s legacy. How does it feel to see your daughter carrying forward this mission?

My father, Frank Clifford Pandy, was an incredible man who showed immense love for everyone around him, especially his family. His life’s work was centered around sharing God’s love and giving selflessly to others. His legacy was defined by integrity, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to community. Watching Kytana carry forward his mission is both humbling and inspiring. She’s not just preserving his legacy—she’s expanding it in her own unique way, blending his values with her own passion and vision for change. To see her use her voice and leadership to uplift others in the same way he did, yet in her own distinctive style, is a profound reminder of the lasting impact one life can have. It fills me with pride, knowing that his spirit lives on through her and the work she continues to do.

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Karen, how has your own leadership journey influenced the way you’ve raised and guided your daughters in their own paths?

My leadership journey has been deeply intertwined with the way I’ve raised Kytana and Kyrsten. They are both spirited and unique in so many ways—different in their approaches, passions, and personalities—but alike in the way they deeply care about people.

For me, leadership has never been about power or position; it’s about service, integrity, and showing up fully in your purpose. That’s the foundation I’ve built for them. They’ve seen me navigate challenges, advocate for others, and create spaces where people feel valued and empowered. More importantly, they’ve witnessed the sacrifices and resilience it takes to lead with authenticity.

I’ve always encouraged them to trust their instincts, use their voices boldly, and never shy away from the responsibility of making a difference. Now, as I watch them step into leadership in their own ways—whether through mentorship, advocacy, or simply how they show up for others—I see the impact of those lessons. They lead with heart, purpose, and an unshakable commitment to their communities, and that makes me incredibly proud.

This event happened during Women’s History Month. Karen, what does it mean to you to be part of a multigenerational moment of service and leadership?

Women are so powerful! We make the world go round, and being part of this multigenerational moment of service and leadership during Women’s History Month really hits home for me. It’s a reminder of the incredible things women can accomplish when we come together. There’s something deeply meaningful about standing side by side with my daughters, Kytana and Kyrsten, and women of all ages, pouring love and care into our community.

For me, it’s a reflection of the strength, resilience, and compassion women bring every single day. This event wasn’t just about providing food or supplies—it was about uplifting each other, creating real connection, and showing that when women lead with heart, we can spark real change. And honestly, the best part? We’re just getting started! I’m so proud of what we’ve done together, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Kytana, you founded the Clifford Heart Foundation in honor of your grandfather. What inspired you to turn his legacy into a movement?

My grandfather, Frank Clifford, was a man of quiet but powerful impact. He ran his business with generosity, often giving to those in need without hesitation. He believed that his purpose on Earth was to love people the way Jesus did, without limits. His example shaped my understanding of service. The Clifford Heart Foundation is my way of continuing his legacy, not just as a tribute but as a movement that embodies his values by helping families in need, creating opportunities for others, and making generosity a way of life.

Kytana, your mother and sister both volunteered at this event. How does it feel to have them standing alongside you in this work?

It means everything. Family has always been at the heart of what I do, my mom and sister not only supporting me with words, but action makes this work even more meaningful. My grandfather’s spirit of giving didn’t just influence me, it’s something that has shaped our entire family. When we come together to help others, it’s not just an event; it’s a shared mission, a reflection of the love and values he instilled in us. Their presence reminds me that this isn’t just my journey, it’s ours!

Kytana, how has your experience with NLC influenced your approach to leadership and community impact?

One of the most motivating parts of NLC has been seeing like-minded people take action, turning their passions into real change. Being surrounded by individuals who are not just dreaming but actively building something meaningful pushes me to stay committed to my own vision. Beyond that, the six-month fellowship is a deep dive into learning about yourself. NLC forces you to reflect on who you are, what you stand for, and how you show up as a leader. Knowing yourself is a huge part of being successful in life and being a good leader.

Kytana, what challenges have you faced in building this foundation, and how have your family and NLC connections helped you navigate them?

Starting a foundation has been soul-filling, but of course it comes with its challenges. Securing funding, building awareness, and ensuring that we’re reaching those who truly need support are all difficult aspects. Thankfully, my family offers constant encouragement and NLC has provided a network of leaders who share insights, resources, and strategies to help navigate obstacles.

Kytana, what’s your vision for the future of the Clifford Heart Foundation?

I see the Clifford Heart Foundation growing into a lasting force for good. A big part of my vision is establishing a facility that provides complete wraparound services for families in need. This space would offer everything from job training and financial literacy workshops to mental health support and childcare, creating a true foundation for long-term stability. I want to make sure low-income families have access to the tools and resources they need to break cycles of hardship and build better futures. I also envision deepening our impact in Belize, reconnecting with my roots by supporting communities there in meaningful ways.

Kyrsten, as a current NLC fellow, how has your family’s legacy of service shaped your leadership journey?

Growing up in an environment where empathy and service were prioritized fostered in me a strong sense of responsibility to fight for others, especially when they are unable to do so for themselves. Whether through volunteer work or professional roles, I’ve always been drawn to opportunities that create meaningful impact and I thank my family for that. My approach to leadership has been one rooted in giving, action, and a commitment to enacting change in the communities I serve.

Kyrsten, what inspired you to volunteer for this event?

Honestly, I’ve been helping my sister with her events since the very beginning. We are a family that does life together, and it is very important to us that we support each other to the fullest. If my sister decided that her next step would be to dig a man-made ocean, I’d buy a shovel and be ready within the next hour. It truly is an honor to have been a part of all that she’s done, and I love being able to see where she’s started, where she’s at now, and where she plans to go.

Kyrsten, seeing both your mother and sister involved in leadership and community work, how has that influenced your own aspirations?

Seeing both my mother and sister involved in leadership and community work has been such a privilege and is so inspiring. Their selfless dedication to service has shown me that showing up for others with intention and purpose is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Watching them has given me the belief that leadership isn’t a title or rooted in ego, it’s about action over words, being genuine, and a commitment to bettering the spaces we occupy. Their example has pushed me to seek opportunities where I can contribute meaningfully, through advocacy, operational support, and fostering connections that drive positive change.

Kyrsten, what does Women’s History Month mean to you, especially in the context of working alongside your family for a cause?

Women’s history month means so much to me. This month makes me reflect and celebrate all that women have done and what we are still doing and working towards. I’m constantly surrounded by strong women who have raised me and to some extent I feel still are. From my mother, to my sister, my boss, and random strangers I admire on the street. We all share something and it serves as a reminder that our resiliency and our contributions, big and small, are part of a larger legacy of change-makers paving the way for future generations to run where we walked.

Kyrsten, what’s one lesson you’ve learned from this experience that you’ll carry forward in your leadership journey?

Growing up in an environment where empathy and service were prioritized fostered in me a strong sense of responsibility to fight for others, especially when they are unable to do so for themselves. Whether through volunteer work or professional roles, I’ve always been drawn to opportunities that create meaningful impact and I thank my family for that. My approach to leadership has been one rooted in giving, action, and a commitment to enacting change in the communities I serve.

From honoring the values of a beloved grandfather to building a multigenerational movement rooted in service, Karen, Kytana, and Kyrsten are showing us what happens when leadership is lived, not just taught. Their story is a reminder that the work of changemaking does not just happen in boardrooms or fellowships. It starts at home, shows up in our communities, and is passed down with purpose. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor families like theirs who embody the NLC spirit: resilient, relational, and ready to lead together.